Antonio Mcgowan
Removing perfumed detergent from clothing can be a challenge, especially when dealing with strong fragrances and stubborn odours. The good news is that there are several effective methods to eliminate these persistent smells, ranging from natural remedies to commercial products. The key is to neutralise or absorb the scent molecules, and various household items can be used for this purpose, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, vodka, and even coffee grounds. So, whether you're dealing with thrift store finds, hand-me-downs, or just looking to detox your laundry routine, there are plenty of options to leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural remedies | Baking soda, lemon juice, coffee grounds, vinegar, vodka, rubbing alcohol, Castile soap |
| Commercial products | Laundry boosters, laundry detergents, Febreze, bleach |
| Techniques | Soaking, airing out, outgassing, laundry stripping |
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What You'll Learn
Using vinegar
Vinegar is an effective natural deodorizer and can be used in several ways to remove perfumed detergent from clothing. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the garment is free of moisture, such as sweat, as this can disrupt the reaction when vinegar is applied.
One method is to soak the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water. For this, you can mix a cup of white vinegar with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and spray this solution onto the affected areas. Leave it for around 20 minutes, and then rinse or wash the fabric. Alternatively, you can soak the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water before washing them with added baking soda.
Another method is to use vinegar in place of your laundry detergent. Add 1 cup (240ml) of vinegar to your wash cycle to eliminate odours. Pour it directly onto your clothes in the washer, and then rinse them 1-3 times until the smell is gone. You can also add vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the cycle.
For particularly stubborn scents, you can try a long-haul soak with vinegar, baking soda, borax, and hydrogen peroxide. After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed.
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Baking soda
To use baking soda to remove unwanted scents from clothing, start by dissolving one cup of baking soda in water and soaking the clothes for several hours or overnight. If the garment is too large to be soaked, you can also try placing it in a sealed container with an opened box or bowl full of baking soda. The amount of baking soda used can vary depending on the size of the load and the strength of the scent, but typically ranges from half a cup to one cup.
After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. You can also add a quarter to one cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle, allowing the laundry to soak for an hour before completing the cycle. The vinegar will help to cut through any remaining perfume residue in the fibers.
If the scent persists, repeat the process as necessary. Alternatively, you can try using a laundry booster or additive, such as Borax or baking soda, to help remove bacteria and smells from clothing.
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Vodka
To use vodka to remove perfume smells from clothing, pour some cheap vodka into a spray bottle and spritz the affected areas of your clothing. Allow the vodka to air dry completely. You can also add essential oils to the vodka for added scent and cleaning power. Use a ratio of 4-6 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces of vodka.
Be cautious when using vodka to treat certain fabrics such as wool, silk, acetate, rayon, and acrylic, as harsh alcohol can damage them.
If the smell persists, you can try other methods such as a lemon and water solution, a vinegar and baking soda solution, or a castile soap laundry solution.
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Castile soap
Prepare the Castile Soap Solution
Mix a few drops of Castile soap with warm water in a bucket or container. Ensure the soap is evenly distributed throughout the water to avoid concentrated spots. Warm water is ideal for activating the soap's effectiveness.
Soak the Clothes
Fully submerge the clothes with strong perfumed scents in the Castile soap solution. Allow them to soak for about an hour. After soaking, swish the clothes around in the solution to ensure the soap penetrates the fibres.
Rinse and Wash
After soaking, rinse the clothes with warm water to remove the soap solution. You can gently scrub the areas with a soft-bristled brush if there are remaining odours. Then, proceed to wash the clothes as usual, following the care label instructions.
Dry in the Sun
After washing, dry the clothes outside in the sun. The combination of heat and sunlight will enhance the odour-removing effect of the Castile soap. Ensure that dark-coloured clothes are dried in the shade to prevent fading.
Additional Tips:
- For dry-clean-only items, air them outside to allow the sun and wind to dilute the scent. You can also place them in an enclosed box with baking soda or newspaper, which helps absorb and neutralize scents.
- For stubborn odours, pre-soak the clothes in a mixture of warm water and baking soda overnight before washing them with Castile soap.
- If you want to conserve water, you can rinse the clothes with Castile soap in the shower.
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Airing clothes outside
To start, find a clothesline or drying rack in direct sunlight and hang your scented clothing on it. If you don't have access to a clothesline, get creative and use clothespins to hang your clothes over a fence, lawn chairs, or a porch railing. Leave your clothes outside for an extended period, ideally at least 12-48 hours, but some sources suggest up to four days. The longer they stay outside, the more effective the process will be.
While sunlight is beneficial for removing odours, it can cause dyes to fade. To protect darker clothing from fading, hang them in a shady spot. Additionally, consider turning your clothes inside out before hanging them outside. This technique helps to expose the fragrance-laden inner fibres of the fabric to the sun and air, maximizing the odour-removing effect.
For particularly stubborn odours, you can combine airing outside with other methods. One option is to pre-soak your clothes in a solution of baking soda and water before hanging them to dry. Alternatively, you can try spraying your clothes with a mixture of essential oils and vinegar before leaving them to air dry.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove strong detergent smells from clothing. One way is to fill a bucket with hot water, add a generous amount of white vinegar and a sprinkle of baking soda, and then soak the clothes in this mixture.
Yes, you can use vodka or rubbing alcohol, which are natural neutralizers for heavy perfume scents. Simply spray the alcohol directly onto the clothing and let it air dry.
Another option is to use lemon juice and water. Mix equal parts of both in a spray bottle and mist your clothes.
Yes, you can use laundry boosters, which are washing additives designed to remove bacteria and odours. Simply mix 1/2 cup of the booster with your detergent and wash your clothes in warm water.
